June 26, 2017
WORK CONTINUES ON SEVERAL ROUTES IN AUDRAIN COUNTY
Weather permitting; MoDOT crews will be doing work on the following routes in Audrain County.
Audrain County Route NN - June 26, one lane traffic from MO 22 to end of Route NN for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7am and 4pm.
Audrain County Route E - June 27, one lane traffic from MO 22 to MO 15 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7am and 4pm.
Missouri Route 151 - June 28, one lane traffic from MO 22 at Centralia to Audrain County Route M in Monroe County for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8am and 3pm.
Audrain County Route D - June 29, one lane traffic from Missouri Route M to U.S. Route 54 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8am and 3pm.
For the closed route, motorists will need to use alternate routes. Please use caution and remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE MORE SHOTS FIRED
Columbia Police are investigating a pair of shots fired incidents, which occurred Sunday evening. Officers were called to a drive-by shooting, with occupants of two vehicles firing shots at each other, at around 5:30pm. The shooting apparently carried over to the 2000 block of Dickinson Court, where bullets struck at least two homes, causing property damage. No injuries were reported at either location. The incident remains under investigation.
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:55am Sunday in Lincoln County. 42 year old Fernando Anguilera of Elsberry was on MO 47 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, returned to the road and then ran off the left side of the road, overturned and struck an embankment. He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Saturday at approximately 10:14am, Mexico Public Safety contacted 21 year old Matthew B Beauchamp of Mexico, in reference to suspicious activity on E. Liberty Street. Investigation revealed that Beauchamp had broken into a business in the 2000 block of Lakeview during the previous overnight hours. Beauchamp was processed at MPSD and later taken to the Audrain County Jail for Burglary 2nd degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Stealing.
On Saturday at approximately 12:18pm, Mexico Public Safety responded to the intersection of Calhoun and Love in reference to crash involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle. Responding personnel found that a 2017 Ford, being driven by 58 year old Shannon Ash of Mexico, was stopped at the intersection when a bicycle being ridden by a 15 year-old juvenile, approached the intersection on the sidewalk, was unable to stop, and struck the Ford. The juvenile was treated on scene by Audrain Ambulance District and needed no further medical assistance.
Weekend Report- June 24-25, 2017
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Hannibal man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday night in Pike County. 21 year old Timothy Meyer was on Ranacker Conservation Area Private Road when he took a curve too fast, he overcorrected, which caused his car to overturn and then returned to its wheels, traveled backwards off the right side of the road and struck multiple trees. He was transported by Survival Flight to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:35pm Friday in Franklin County. 16 year old Courtney Eckert of Herculaneum was on Plattin Road when she failed to negotiate a curve, overcorrected, ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. She was taken to St. Louis Children’s Hospital with serious injuries.
DRIVERS HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT CRASH
Both drivers were hurt, one seriously in a Saturday night crash in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 22 year old Beni Stan of Houston, TX was northbound on US 61 when he executed a left turn and began to cross the southbound lanes of US 61 onto North Lincoln Drive when his car was struck by a motorcycle being ridden by 43 year old Paul Price of Catawissa, MO and after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Price was ejected from his motorcycle. Paul Price was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries, while Beni Stan sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.
June 23, 2017
COLUMBIA HOSTAGE SITUATION A FALSE ALARM
Columbia Police were called to a report of a hostage situation, Thursday afternoon, but after an intensive investigation, they have determined that it was apparently a hoax. Officers were called to the 200 block of Apple Tree Court, after a caller told police she was being held at gunpoint. They say the address given by the caller did not exist, so they began a search of the area. Three nearby buildings were evacuated, as the investigation continued. After more than two hours at the scene and more than 30 officers involved in the search, no hostage situation was discovered.
BOONE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH TRYING TO MEET YOUNG GIRL
A Boone County man was arrested Wednesday, after allegedly attempting to meet an underage girl for sex. 27 year old Darren Lasley is accused of communicating via e-mail with an underage girl, who was actually an undercover detective with the Boone County Cyber Crimes Task Force. Lasley allegedly arranged to meet the girl, who he thought was age 14. Authorities met Lasley at that location and he was arrested for attempted child enticement and attempted statutory sodomy.
MAN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Warrenton man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:40pm Thursday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 27 year old Justin Gribbin was on Route WW when his Chevy Blazer suffered a mechanical malfunction, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. He was transported by private auto to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING WRECK
A St. Clair woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Friday morning in Franklin County. 21 year old Brianna Fuller was on Highway 47 when her car ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.
June 22, 2017
PATROL SEEKING INFORMATION IN FATAL CRASH INVESTIGASTION
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate a fatal traffic crash, which occurred last month, and indirectly involved a red minivan. 21 year old Kimberly M. Schumann, of Jacksonville died in the accident. It occurred Friday, May 19 on Highway 63, just south of the Hallsville junction in Boone County. According to the patrol, Schumann was southbound on 63 and swerved to miss the minivan, which had turned into the path of her vehicle. Her car traveled across the median and collided with an oncoming vehicle in the northbound lanes. The patrol says the minivan driver stopped momentarily and then left the scene, southbound on 63. It is described as a cherry red, new model van, being driven by a male with some gray hair. Anyone with information on the vehicle is urged to contact the patrol’s Troop F headquarters in Jefferson City, at 573-751-1000.
MAN KILLED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
An Eldon man was killed in an accident that occurred at around 1:30pm Wednesday in Cooper County. 38 year old Jeffrey Stogsdill was on Eckerle Lane when his truck ran off the left side of the road, he attempted to jump out of the truck when the driver’s side door struck a large tree, continued west and struck another large tree, where it came to rest, ejecting him from the truck.
TEEN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A Washington teen was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County. 17 year old Isabella Mooney was on South Point Road when she failed to maintain a lane, causing her car to travel off the roadway and strike a pole. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
BOONVILLE MAN HELPS WOMAN MOVE, ACCUSED OF STEALING
A Boonville man faces stealing charges after being accused of stealing items from a woman, while helping her move and promising to do work at her home. Donald Gerlt, of Boonville, is charged in the case. According to court documents, Gerlt offered to help a 64 year old woman move and was paid to do work in her home. The woman later noticed more than $1,700 dollars worth of items missing from her home and, she says, the work was never done.
PROSPECTIVE FAYETTE BUSINESS OWNER ARRESTED
A prospective business owner in Fayette has been arrested this week for allegedly stealing items leased for her former business in Florida. Tara Zysset is accused of stealing more than $20,000 dollars in TV’s and kitchen equipment, which was leased for her former business. Investigators say Zysset and her boyfriend, David Cook, planned to open a bar and pizzeria in downtown Fayette, using the stolen items. She was arrested by Fayette Police and turned herself in to Florida authorities on Wednesday, where she posted $25,000 dollars bond.
June 21, 2017
TEEN INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRECK
A Montgomery City teen was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Montgomery County. 19 year old Johnathan Blair was on Mitchell Road when he lost control in a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported by private auto to Hermann Area Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
AUXVASSE MOTORCYLIST STRIKES COW IN ROADWAY
An Auxvasse man was treated for moderate injuries after his motorcycle struck a cow on Audrain County Route E, early Tuesday morning. 36 year old Matthew Edwards, of Auxvasse, was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment after the accident, which occurred just after 6:30am. The patrol says his motorcycle struck a cow in the roadway, then ran off the road and overturned.
ANOTHER COLUMBIA SHOTS FIRED INCIDENT TUESDAY
Columbia Police are investigating another shots fired incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon in the 2600 block of Quail Drive. Officers were called to the scene at around 1:40pm. Investigators say they located multiple shell casings in the area and found evidence of a nearby home and car being struck by gunfire. They say ten people were around that area at the time, but no injuries were reported. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
FORMER MAMTEK HEAD TO BE RELEASED NEXT YEAR
The former head of Moberly’s failed Mamtek Plant will be released from prison next year. The Missouri Department of Corrections says Bruce Cole will be released next June. Cole was convicted in 2014 of stealing funds borrowed by the City of Moberly to build the Mamtek artificial sweetener plant, which was projected to provide around 600 jobs. The project never got off the ground and Cole was charged, after diverting more than $6 million dollars in bond funds for his personal use. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. He will be released after serving just under 4 years.
June 20, 2017
MORE ON SUNDAY NIGHT SHOOTING – TWO WOMEN INJURED
Boone County authorities have released more information on a Sunday night shooting incident, which occurred at the BP gas station in the 5700 block of East St. Charles Road in Columbia. The Boone County Sheriff’s Department says two women were reportedly shot during the incident. One of them has been treated and released, while the other remains in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives say the shooter apparently knew the victims. A suspect is still being sought in the case.
VERBAL DISTURBANCE TURNS INTO SHOTS FIRE INCIDENT
A verbal disturbance turned into a shots fired incident in Columbia, Monday afternoon. It began, just after 3pm, with a report of an argument between occupants of two vehicles at Loop Liquor and Convenience Store, 26 Business Loop 70 East. A report of an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles matching the description, was called in from the area of War Admiral Drive and Triple Crown Drive. Officers found multiple shell casings in that area. There have been no reports of property damage or injuries. Anyone with information on the altercation is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR DOUBLE MURDER
A judge has sentenced a Columbia man to life in prison without parole for a 2015 double murder. Darious Lucas received two life sentences in connection with the September 2015 murders of James Richardson, of Columbia and Kenneth Long, of Mexico. The two victims were found in an abandoned trailer park, just outside the Columbia city limits. Investigators say Lucas wrote rap lyrics, shortly after a drug arrest in October of 2015 that detailed the murder of two men, naming the type of bullets used in the shootings and describing details of the case.
SMALL EARTHQUAKE SHAKES MISSOURI BOOTHEEL
Parts of the Missouri Bootheel were shaken by a small earthquake, early Monday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake says the earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.7, rumbled just before 4:30am. It was centered near the small town of Steele in the Missouri Bootheel. There were no immediate reports of any significant damage and no injuries were reported.
June 19, 2017
WORK CONTINUES ON SEVERAL ROUTES IN AUDRAIN COUNTY
Weather permitting; MoDOT crews will be doing work on the following routes in Audrain County.
Missouri Route 22- June 19-20, one lane traffic from Missouri Route 15 to Audrain County Route E for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Audrain County Route J - June 19, one lane traffic from Missouri Route 19 to Business U.S. 54 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Missouri Route 15 - June 20, one lane traffic from the Audrain County line to MO 22 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Audrain County Route NN - June 20, road closed between County Road 316 and County Road 320 for a culvert replacement. Work will be completed between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Missouri Route 22 - June 21-22, one lane traffic from MO 15 to Audrain County Route E for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Audrain County Route NN - June 26, one lane traffic from MO 22 to end of Route NN for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Audrain County Route E - June 27, one lane traffic from MO 22 to MO 15 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Missouri Route 151 - June 28, one lane traffic from MO 22 at Centralia to Audrain County Route M in Monroe County for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Audrain County Route D - June 29, one lane traffic from Missouri Route M to U.S. Route 54 for patching operations. Work will be completed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
For the closed route, motorists will need to use alternate routes. Please use caution and remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
SUNDAY NIGHT SHOOTING AT COLUMBIA GAS STATION
Boone County deputies are investigating a Sunday night shooting incident at the BP gas station, in the 5700 block of East St. Charles Road. Investigators have not released details on the circumstances or on victims in the case. They have confirmed that a police presence at the emergency room at University Hospital was related to the incident. Further information is expected to be released Monday morning.
BODY FOUND SUNDAY IN COLUMBIA FIELD
Columbia Police are investigating the discovery of a body, in a field in the 500 block of High Street in Columbia, Sunday afternoon. Officers were called to the scene at around 5:20pm and the medical examiner was called in. Investigators say they do not believe foul play is involved in the death. Further information is pending the results of the medical examiner’s investigation.
June 16, 2017
COLUMBIA WOMAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE
A Columbia woman is charged with three counts of child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, after investigators say they found unlivable conditions in the woman’s home. Teresa Kennedy, of Columbia, was arrested Wednesday, after three kids, age 4, 6 and 11, were found living in a residence with trash piles in every room, including old food and food cans with sharp edges. Investigators say an upstairs bathroom in the home was flooded and full of dried waste, and one of the children was sleeping on a stained and dirty mattress.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man from Chicago, IL was seriously injured in an accident that occurred just before 1am Friday in St. Louis County. The patrol says that 54 year old Alfredo Romero was traveling northbound on the ramp from I-270 to westbound I-44 when he failed to negotiate a curve to the right and his tractor trailer traveled off the left side of the road, struck the guardrail and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
COLUMBIA DRIVER HURT IN COOPER COUNTY WRECK
A Columbia driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Friday morning in Cooper County. 24 year old Keith Kimbrough II was on MO 135 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to run off the right side of the road, strike the ground, become airborne and then strike the ground again. He was taken to Boone Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
June 15, 2017
TWO HURT IN AUDRAIN COUNTY WRECK
A woman and man from Mexico were hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Thursday morning in Audrain County. 42 year old Paula Hopkins was on Route FF rounding a curve to the right when she lost control and overcorrected, which caused her car to travel off the right side of the road and overturn. She was transported by ambulance to SSM Health in Mexico for treatment of moderate injuries, while her passenger 36 year old Jerimiah Clark refused treatment for minor injuries.
TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT CRASH
Two Winfield teens were injured, one seriously in a Wednesday night crash in Lincoln County. 18 year old Trent Rowland was on Brevator Road when his car ran off the left side of the roadway and struck multiple trees. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Lincoln for treatment of moderate injuries, while his passenger 17 year old Megan Mathews was also taken to Mercy Hospital in Lincoln before being transferred to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
NEW HAVEN TEEN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A New Haven teen was injured in an accident that occurred at 10:55am Wednesday in Franklin County. 19 year old Mikayla Winkelman was on MO 185 and driving too fast for a curve when her car traveled off the right side of the road, began to overturn as it struck a utility pole and came to rest on its roof. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
June 14, 2017
MODOT ALLOWS OVERWEIGHT LOADS OF DEBRIS FROM FLOOD-IMPACTED AREAS
In an effort to aid in the removal of debris from areas impacted by flooding in several areas of Missouri, private and for-hire motor carriers may carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways. However, the heavier loads are not allowed to use interstate routes. Overweight permits will not be required. All other traffic and motor carrier regulations that normally apply remain in place. This 60-day waiver began last Saturday, June 10, and will continue through Wednesday, August 9. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to:
· A loaded, gross weight no greater than ten percent above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle;
· Transport of debris is only allowed from an area directly impacted by flooding within the state of Missouri.
· When crossing a bridge, the driver must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 miles per hour and must center the truck between two lanes of the bridge. The truck driver must yield to oncoming traffic.
· Travel is not allowed over bridges that have a weight capacity less than the gross weight of the vehicle.
· Travel only on highways other than Missouri interstate highways – NO TRAVEL IS ALLOWED ON MISSOURI INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS.
· Approval from local officials may be required for travel with heavier weights on local county and/or city roads.
PATROL PROVIDES RESULTS OF ANNUAL SCHOOL BUS INSPECTION PROGRAM
Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division's 2017 annual school bus inspection program. A total of 12,047 school buses across the state of Missouri were inspected by Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel between the dates of February 2 and May 5. Of all buses inspected, 90.24% were approved by inspection personnel with no defective items noted during inspection.
During the annual school bus inspection program, buses found to have no defective items are rated as "approved.” Buses having one or more defective items which do not constitute an immediate danger are rated as "defective.” Buses with any defective items which constitute an immediate danger are rated as "out-of-service.” Buses rated as "defective" may continue to be operated for the purpose of transporting students until repair is made. School districts are allowed 10 days following initial inspection to repair identified defects before being re-inspected by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel. Buses rated as "out-of-service" must be repaired, re-inspected, and placed back into service by Highway Patrol motor vehicle inspection personnel─prior to being used to transport students. Buses not presented for re-inspection within the required 10-day period are reported to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Statewide 2017 annual school bus inspection results are as follows:
Buses rated as "approved" upon initial inspection -- 10,871
Buses rated as "defective" upon initial inspection -- 925
Buses rated as "out-of-service" upon initial inspection -- 251
A total of 276 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence Award, obtaining an approval rating of 90% or higher with no out of service buses. During the 2017-2018 school year, 6,181 buses in these award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger-entry side of the bus.
School bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results are available on the Motor Vehicle Inspection Division webpage at
http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/MVI/index.html.
VARIABLE SPEED LIMITS COULD REDUCE CRASHES, EASE CONGESTION IN HIGHWAY WORK ZONES
As the summer months approach, most people turn to thoughts of sunshine, outdoor barbecues and destination trips. Yet travelers often are greeted by detours, lane closures and delays for road repairs that generally are reserved for warmer weather. Researchers at the University of Missouri have studied systems to alleviate inevitable backups and delays. Researchers found that using variable speed limits in construction zones may ease congestion, reduce crashes and make work zones safer for both workers and travelers nationally. With assistance from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Praveen Edara, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering in the MU College of Engineering, tested the use of variable advisory speed limit (VASL) systems and the effect they may have on lessening congestion and reducing rear-end and lane-changing accidents on a fairly dangerous stretch of I-270, a major four-lane highway in St. Louis. The professor’s data collection and simulation analysis uncovered a few key pieces of data. First, the use of VASL systems is effective in gradually slowing drivers as they enter work zones. VASL use resulted in a 39 to 53 percent decrease in average queue length, and just a 4 to 8 percent increase in travel time. Additionally, using VASL meant that maximum speed differences also decreased by as much as 10 mph, and the chance of rear-end collisions dropped by 30 percent. Researchers also noted a 20 percent decrease in lane changing conflicts. Essentially, travel time was slightly longer, but lines were shorter and collisions were less frequent.
June 13, 2017
COLUMBIA CAR FIRES RULED SUSPICIOUS
Columbia Police say a pair of Monday morning vehicle fires have been ruled suspicious, and are under investigation. Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Paris Road, early Monday morning. Twenty minutes later, a second vehicle fire was reported, less than a half-mile away, in the 1800 block of Gordon Street. In both cases, the vehicles were engulfed when firefighters arrived. Both fires were quickly extinguished and there were no injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
THREE HURT IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
Three occupants of a vehicle were injured in a Monday afternoon accident on Highway 63 in Boone County, which occurred at around 4pm. 53 year old Mark Winscott, of Harrisburg, was the driver of a southbound vehicle. The patrol says he became distracted and the vehicle ran off the roadway, collided with a bridge rail and ran into the median. A passenger, 12 year old Charlea Winscott, of Harrisburg, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered moderate injuries. Two other passengers, 55 year old Delores Winscott of Harrisburg and 12 year old Gage Winscott, of Fayette, were treated for minor injuries.
FORMAL DRUG CHARGES FILED AGAINST CHASE SUBJECTS
Two Illinois men have been formally charged, in connection with last week’s high-speed chase, which ended near Jacksonville. 35 year old Nicholas Baldwin, of Collinsville, IL and 46 year old Scott Thorburg, of Madison, IL, were both arrested after Thursday’s pursuit, which began in Boone County and involved several area law enforcement agencies. Investigators say they found approximately six pounds of meth, along with cash and a handgun, in the vehicle. Both men are charged with first-degree drug trafficking. They’re being held on $1 million dollars cash-only bond.
MARSHALL MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON
A Marshall man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, in connection with the murders of his son-in-law and his former mother-in-law, in the Slater area, last Summer. 59 year old Donald Bruce Owens, of Marshall, pleaded guilty in the case on Monday. He was charged in connection with the shooting deaths of 35 year old Ryan W. Sanders and 83 year old Bonnie Charlene Happ, of Slater, last June. Court documents indicate Owens felt the two victims were threatening his family, during an ongoing custody dispute involving his granddaughter.
NEW SIGNAGE ON ROUTE 54
Larger “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs will be installed on Route 54 in Camden and Miller counties beginning Tuesday as part of an effort to prevent wrong-way traffic crashes. The Missouri Department of Transportation is placing the new signs as a result of a road safety audit conducted last year on the 100-mile stretch of Route 54 from Camdenton to Mexico. Guard cable and high friction surface treatment on several curves will also be installed on Route 54 as part of the audit’s recommendations. While the audit found the existing conditions on the Route 54 corridor to meet all state and federal standards, MoDOT is implementing the additional safety enhancements in an effort to further reduce incidents. Crews will begin removing old signs and placing new ones at the Route 54 and Route AA intersection and will work westward through Miller and Camden counties. The work will take place during daytime hours, from 6am to 4:30pm. The installation is scheduled to be finished in September. Most of the work will take place in the highway median, but there will be times when the median crossover will have to be closed to replace the signs. When that happens, traffic will be detoured to the next crossover. Message boards ahead of the work zones will warn motorists of lane or median crossover closures.
June 12, 2017
MOSCOW MILLS MAN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Moscow Mills man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 11:50pm Sunday in Lincoln County. 48 year old David Parker was riding his motorcycle on Route C when he swerved to avoid an animal in the roadway, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH
A driver was injured in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County. The patrol says that 39 year old Richard Reinken of Robertsville was on Willowford Road when his vehicle ran off the right side of the road, returned to the roadway and began to skid, traveled off the left side of the road, struck two trees and overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its passenger side partially in the southbound lane. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A motorcyclist was hurt in a Sunday morning wreck in Lincoln County. 43 year old Terry Helmick of Emden, MO was riding his motorcycle on Route U when he failed to negotiate a curve due to a mechanical problem, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned onto its left side. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
INVESTIGATORS CALLED IN AFTER ABANDONED BUILDING FIRE
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a Sunday evening fire at an abandoned building in south Columbia. Firefighters were called to the 4100 block of Bearfield Road, just after 8pm Sunday. Boone County Fire Protection District officials say the fire had multiple small starting points, but they were able to get it under control quickly. They believe it was started by kids or teenagers.
REGISTER WITH FEMA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges residents of 27 Missouri counties designated in the federal major disaster declaration to register with the agency without delay. Registration is easy:
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
Use the FEMA app for smartphones.
Call 800-621-3362 between 6am and 10pm CST. People who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY may call 800-462-7585.
Eligible homeowners and renters may be able to receive money for disaster expenses not covered by insurance to help pay for basic home repairs, temporary rental assistance and other needs such as replacing personal property. FEMA Individual Assistance is grant money that does not have to be repaid.
Filing an insurance claim does not start the FEMA registration process. Neither does registering with the American Red Cross or other agencies. To be considered for FEMA grant assistance, applicants must register directly with FEMA. Even if they have insurance coverage, FEMA might be able to assist with disaster expenses that aren’t covered by insurance. Twenty-seven counties affected by the April 28-May 11 flooding have been designated for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program– Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Howell, Jasper, Jefferson, Madison, Maries, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Louis, Stone, Taney, and Texas.
Weekend Report- June 10-11, 2017
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY WRECK
A Holts Summit man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 3:20pm Saturday in Callaway County. 28 year old Casey Raines was on County Road 391 when his truck ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A motorcyclist was injured in an accident Sunday morning in Miller County. 31 year old Tyler Yakich of Eldon was riding his motorcycle on Route Y when it struck a deer in the roadway. He was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN CAR CRASH FRIDAY NIGHT
A Holts Summit woman was hurt in a Friday night crash in Callaway County. The patrol says that 48 year old Judy Maasen was eastbound on US 54 when her car struck a deer in the road. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
June 9, 2017
WOMAN INJURED IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY ACCIDENT
A St. Louis woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:45pm Thursday in St. Louis County. The patrol says that 24 year old Lindsey Hessler was traveling eastbound on the ramp from I-64 to I-270 when her car ran off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
TEEN HURT IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon in Cole County. 17 year old Ethan Allison of Jefferson City was on High Point Road when he swerved to miss an animal, drove off the right side of the road into a ditch. He was transported by private auto to Capital Region Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER CAR CHASE ENDS NEAR JACKSONVILLE
Two suspects are in custody after a car chase ran through Boone and Randolph Counties, Thursday evening. It began with an attempted traffic stop in Boone County, just before 7pm and it ended at around 8 o’clock, after spike strips were deployed along Highway 63 and the suspect vehicle crashed near Jacksonville. Authorities say the vehicle had been reported stolen in Florida. Two suspects were taken into custody at the scene. No further information has been released.
CENTRALIA HOUSE FIRE INVESTIGATED AS ARSON
A Thursday afternoon Centralia house fire is being investigated as arson by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department. The fire occurred at a home on Rodney Griffin Street in Centralia, just before 2pm. Authorities say the fire started outside the home, but jumped a wall and quickly spread to the structure. The investigation is ongoing.
ASPHALT RESURFACING TO BEGIN ON I-70 NEXT WEEK
Motorists traveling on Interstate 70 between the Missouri River bridge in Rocheport and the St. Charles Road/Lake of the Woods interchange in Columbia will see nightly lane closures beginning next week because of asphalt resurfacing work. Paving will start Monday, June 12 in the eastbound lanes of I-70 at the Missouri River bridge in Rocheport. The work will continue nightly from 7pm to 6am Monday through Friday. Once all eastbound lanes within the project limits have been resurfaced, the contractor will move to the westbound lanes. The resurfacing project will be completed in early fall. One lane will be open at all times in each direction during the work. Signs will guide motorists through the work zone.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Thursday at approximately 5:20pm, Mexico Public Safety responded to the 1200 block of E Promenade in reference to suspicious activity. This was due to an alert citizen reporting two people going into a vacant house. Officers located and arrested Tesla M Huffstetler, age 19, and Michael T Lewis, age 37, both of Mexico. They were taken to MPSD and Huffstetler was released pending warrant for Trespassing 1st Degree. Lewis was taken to the Audrain County Jail to post bond for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trespassing 1st degree. Citizens are reminded to call the Mexico Public Safety Department when they see suspicious activity. MPSD can be reached through (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
June 8, 2017
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A man from Hillsboro, MO was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:10pm Wednesday in Jefferson County. 25 year old Wade Gaylord was riding his motorcycle on Byrnesville Road when he lost control and it traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was transported by Survival Flight Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
DUMP TRUCK DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A dump truck driver was hurt in a Wednesday afternoon wreck in St. Charles County. 58 year old Thomas Rickey was on Highway W when the tires dropped off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, causing it to run off the left side of the roadway and overturn. The New London man was taken to St. Joseph East Hospital in St. Charles for treatment of moderate injuries.
BICYCLIST INJURED IN HIT AND RUN CRASH
The Highway Patrol is seeking information on a hit and run driver, who struck a bicyclist on Boone County Route E, just before 8 o’clock Wednesday morning. 25 year old Tyler Cordia, of Columbia, was riding his bicycle northbound when an unidentified northbound SUV struck the bike, causing it to run off the roadway. Cordia was taken to University Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The suspect vehicle fled the scene without stopping.
QUINCY MAN ARRESTED AT SHELBINA HOTEL
Shelby County authorities say a Quincy, Illinois man was arrested Monday night, after an injured and nearly naked teenager was found in his Shelbina Hotel Room. 27 year old Jacob M. Almeter is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to court documents, Almeter contacted Shelbina Police and reported that his car had been borrowed by a friend, who claimed he was in an accident. Police found a 16 year old girl with a bleeding head wound in Almeter’s room. She was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Almeter was arrested at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
June 7, 2017
FOUR HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY COLLISION
Four people, including an infant child, were injured in a Tuesday morning collision on Callaway County Route FF at its junction with Highway 54. It occurred just after 11:30am Tuesday. The patrol says 51 year old Nancy Wilson, of Mexico, apparently failed to stop at a stop light and her vehicle collided with a pickup, driven by 29 year old Megan Henricks, of Columbia. Wilson was treated for moderate injuries and her passenger, 28 year old Holly Wilson of Mexico, was treated for minor injuries. Henricks and her infant child were both treated for minor injuries.
EARLY-MORNING CHASE THROUGH PARTS OF COLUMBIA
Two men are in custody after a high-speed car chase through parts of Columbia early this (Wed) morning. Boone County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle, which was reported stolen from Kansas. A chase ensued, with speeds reaching near 50 miles per hour through residential neighborhoods near downtown Columbia, before the vehicle was stopped at a dead end. Two male suspects in their 20’s were taken into custody at the scene…no further information has been released.
WINFIELD MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Winfield man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Tuesday morning in Lincoln County. 36 year old Mark Slover was riding his motorcycle on MO 47 when it traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a guardrail, overturned, ejecting him from the motorcycle. He was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
June 6, 2017
MAN INJURED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man from Cedar Hill, MO was injured in an accident that occurred at 5:20am Tuesday in Jefferson County. 25 year old Christopher Wagner was northbound on Route B when his car crossed over into the southbound lane, he overcorrected, causing it to skid across the roadway and off the right side of the road, striking two trees. He was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
TEEN HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Desoto teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Jefferson County. 16 year old Makenzey Boyer was on Flucom Road when she failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the right side of the road, struck a concrete culvert and continued into a wooded area. She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Jefferson City for treatment.
ILLINOIS
MAN INJURED IN COOPER COUNTY CRASH
An Illinois driver was seriously injured when his pickup ran off Cooper County Route B, just north of I-70, just before 8:30 Monday morning. 20 year old Shane Giacoletto, of Collinsville, Illinois, was treated at University Hospital after the accident. The patrol says the pickup was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran through a stop sign and off the west side of the roadway, into a ditch.
MORE INFO RELEASED ON KIRKSVILLE JEWELRY STORE THEFT
Kirksville Police have released more information on the theft of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from Gardner-Collier Jewelers in downtown Kirksville. The store was broken into just after 7 o’clock Friday morning. Investigators say more than 50 gold necklaces, bracelets and pendants were taken in the break-in. Police believe one person carried out the theft, after jimmying open the front door of the store and breaking a glass display case. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed in hopes of gathering more information on the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Kirksville Police.
June 5, 2017
ROUTE 63 TRAFFIC SWITCH NEAR JEFFERSON CITY STARTS MONDAY
Traffic on Route 63 over the Katy Trail Bridge three miles north of Jefferson City will be reduced to one lane in each direction beginning Monday so a new deck can be put on the southbound bridge. The traffic switch will take place around 4am on Monday. At that time, the southbound Route 63 bridge over the Katy Trail will be closed and southbound Route 63 traffic will be re-routed over the northbound Route 63 bridge, which will carry one lane of traffic in each direction. Traffic will be separated by concrete barriers. Traffic will run head to head until the replacement of the southbound bridge deck is complete in mid-August. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in September.
TWO HURT IN HIGHWAY 63 MOTORCYCLE CRASH
A Boone County motorcycle accident, which occurred Saturday night, injured Hallsville and Sturgeon residents. The patrol says a southbound motorcycle on Highway 63 was driven by 26 year old Morgann Simpson, of Hallsville. It ran off the roadway and struck an embankment at Hinton Road in Boone County, just after 9pm. Simpson suffered moderate injuries and was treated at University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger, 28 year old Derrick Petty, of Sturgeon, suffered minor injuries.
COLUMBIA WOMAN TREATED AFTER MOTORCYCLE OVERTURNS
A Columbia woman was treated for moderate injuries after a Saturday morning motorcycle accident on Highway 63. It occurred just before 11am. The patrol says 49 year old Randy Easton, of Columbia, was the driver of a southbound motorcycle. He lost control while attempting to turn onto Liberty Lane and it overturned. Randy Easton was treated for minor injuries…his passenger, 42 year old Angela Easton, of Columbia, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital.
ASHCROFT ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF STATEWIDE PHOTO VOTER ID TOUR
On Monday Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft will begin a week-long, statewide Voter ID Informational Tour, beginning at 8am in Columbia on Monday and ending in Ste. Genevieve with a 6:30pm event on Friday. The informational events will allow Missouri's chief election official an opportunity to share clear and accurate guidance to Missourians and the media about the new voter ID law and assist anyone who needs to register to vote. Secretary Ashcroft will continue to reassure Missourians that "if you're registered to vote, you can vote." Other stops on the tour include on Thursday in Dardenne Prairie, St. Charles and St. Louis. On Friday in Wright City, Washington, Sullivan, Farmington and finishing up in Ste. Genevieve. For locations and times visit ShowIt2Vote.com
CAPITOL REPORT
Extraordinary Session Legislative Update
Lawmakers Move Quickly to Give Final Approval to Jobs Bill (HB 1)
Lawmakers concluded their business in quick and efficient fashion last week as the House and Senate worked to get a jobs bill across the legislative finish line in a matter of days. Called back for an extraordinary session by the governor to pass legislation that could bring 500 good-paying jobs to Southeast Missouri, legislators began their work on a Monday and secured approval for the bill from both chambers by that Friday.
The legislation approved by the General Assembly would let the Missouri Public Service Commission consider lower utility rates for two companies that are exploring options in Southeast Missouri. One company hopes to reopen the Noranda aluminum smelter near Marston, which closed last year and caused the loss of 900 jobs in the area. The other company has plans to build a new steel mill in New Madrid. If Missouri can entice the two interested companies to move forward with their projects, they would create as many as 400 new jobs at the reopened smelter, and at least 95 and as many as 200 jobs at the steel mill. The jobs at the smelter are expected to pay an average annual salary of $95,000.
Under the bill, the PSC would be able to approve a special, lower rate for a longer contract of service for companies like the smelter and steel mill that use tremendous amounts of electricity. The final bill could be used not only to lure the two proposed projects, but also any new facility that would use more than 50 megawatts of electricity per month and that can show a true need for the special rate. The bill also includes consumer protections to ensure the PSC keeps the cost to other ratepayers in mind with any special rate it approves. With this provision, lawmakers hope to keep costs from being shifted to other customers.
Supporters say other customers of Ameren have no need to worry about increased utility rates because of the bill. They say the PSC has indicated ratepayers wouldn’t see an increase in their bill if the new steel mill opens. If the aluminum smelter reopens, the commission has indicated consumers could see a maximum increase of $54 per year after 10 years if energy-cost inflation would rise by 10 percent annually. However, supporters say that isn’t likely to happen.
The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Indications are that the governor will sign the bill during the week of June 5. With his signature, the bill will take effect as law immediately. Supporters pushed for the immediate effective date because the company that plans to build the steel mill wants to make a decision on a location in June.
If you would like to track legislation you may log on to www.house.mo.gov and select “Bill Information” and then select “Bill Tracking”. You may search by topic or bill number.
In the District
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is hosting a series of regional information meetings sharing an update on the new voter ID requirements and encouraging individuals to register to vote. This informational tour will make a stop in Wright City, Missouri on Friday, June 9, 2017.
If you would like to learn more or have questions, we welcome you to attend this public meeting, visit www.ShowIt2Vote.com or call (866) 868-3245.
Event details for the Wright City stop being held on Friday, June 9th are as follows:
When: June 9th, 10:00 AM
Where: Diekroeger Park, Wil Heiliger Activity Building
13410 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Wright City, Missouri, MO 63390
Working for the people,
Representative Bart Korman
District 42
Weekend Report- June 3-4, 2017
FULTON MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Fulton man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3:20am Saturday in Callaway County. 37 year old Evans Riley was eastbound on US 54 when his car began to slide and then slid off the left side of the road, struck the ground and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
DRIVER INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRASH
A driver was injured in a Friday afternoon crash in Miller County. The patrol says that 53 year old Lawrence Penserum was driving a Mack truck on MO 87 when it experienced a tire failure, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the ground and a fence before overturning in a creek. He was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Hillsboro man was seriously hurt in a motorcycle wreck early Sunday morning in Jefferson County. 29 year old Alexander Cooper was riding his motorcycle on 9105 Morse Mill Road when he failed to maintain a single lane and ran into the eastbound lane and overturned as it was traveling off the left side of the road. He was taken to St. Anthony’s Medical Center with serious injuries.
June 2, 2017
MAN KILLED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
An Owensville man was killed in an accident that occurred at 7:30pm Thursday in Gasconade County. 56 year old John Lanning Jr. was on Route ZZ when he failed to negotiate a right turn, causing his Jeep Liberty to travel off the left side of the road, down an embankment, struck the embankment and overturned in a creek. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
DRIVER HURT IN THURSDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver from Truxton, MO was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday night in Warren County. The patrol says that 64 year old Mark Peterson was on Route A when he failed to negotiate a left curve and his car ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, returned to the roadway, crossed the center line and then he overcorrected again, causing it to travel off the right side of the road and the rear of the car struck an embankment and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
MINOR INJURIES IN HOWARD CO. ACCIDENT - VEHICLE TOTALLED
24 year old Cassidyann Robinson of Sunrise Beach, MO received minor injuries in a one vehicle wreck in Howard County on MO 240, 1 mile north of 240 Alternate around 3:20 yesterday (Thurs) afternoon. The patrol said the driver of the car, a male has not been identified as of yet, but it appears the vehicle went off the roadway with the driver overcorrecting and the vehicle going off the road on the other side, eventually striking a fence and a tree.
FUGITIVE SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES
According to KTVO.com in Kirksville Brandon True, who was last wanted on assault charges from Boone County, has surrendered to authorities. His mother, Rose True said her son turned himself in Monday at the Chariton County Sheriffs office in Keytesville. True was wanted for a probation violation in connection with the alleged Boone County assault on April 1st. The charges came less than a month after True was placed on five-year’s probation for setting fire to a Kirksville duplex in 2014. His bond was set at $50,000 cash only.
June 1, 2017
TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A woman and a man from Centralia were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 3:45pm Wednesday in Boone County. The patrol says that 71 year old Claudia McCleary was on Route B when her vehicle struck a car that had failed to stop at a stop sign and after the accident the unknown driver fled the scene. Both Claudia and her passenger 73 year old Curtis McCleary were transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
PLANE CRASH LANDED AT BOONVILLE AIRPORT
A plane was forced to crash land at the Boonville Airport Wednesday night after experiencing engine troubles. KOMU TV is reporting that the Boonville Police Department, said the plane experienced an engine failure roughly 100 feet in the air. The pilot was able to direct the plane to the runway, but lost control and flipped the plane over. The pilot was not hurt and no one else was on board. Boonville Police, Boonville Fire and Cooper County Fire were dispatched to the scene.
FIVE PEOPLE DIE IN TRAFFIC CRASHES WHILE THREE PEOPLE DROWN OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Five people died in traffic crashes over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend. Last year, 13 people were killed during the three-day weekend. The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 345 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and all five fatalities. Troopers also arrested 107 people for driving while intoxicated and made 125 drug arrests. During the 2016 Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Patrol investigated 347 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and six of the 13 fatalities. Last year, troopers arrested 135 people for driving while intoxicated. Zero boating fatalities occurred during this years counting period but three people did drown over the holiday weekend. Marine operations troopers investigated 14 boating crashes involving seven injuries. Three people drowned over the 2017 Memorial Day holiday. Marine operations troopers arrested 20 boaters for boating while intoxicated and made six drug arrests.
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